It has been a season of disappointments for Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, as the team faces an uphill battle to extend their streak of non-losing seasons. After an impressive 16 straight seasons without a losing record, Tomlin finds himself in a precarious position as the Steelers struggle on the field.

Just a month ago, the Steelers seemed to be on solid ground with a 7-4 record. However, they have since suffered three consecutive losses, including defeats at the hands of teams with losing records. This unexpected slump has put their playoff hopes in jeopardy, leaving their fans worried and puzzled.

Injuries have played a significant role in this downward spiral, particularly in the linebacker corps and secondary positions. Kenny Pickett, who showcased a strong performance in Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals, unfortunately got injured in the following week and has been sidelined ever since.

While injuries have contributed to the Steelers' struggles, it is important to acknowledge the responsibility that falls on the head coach. One glaring issue is the hiring of offensive coordinator Matt Canada without prior NFL experience. The offense has been stagnant, with blame previously placed on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is nearing the end of his career. The decision to retain Canada despite a lackluster offensive performance last season now appears to be a critical misstep.

Another questionable decision by Tomlin was his unwavering faith in backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky over Mason Rudolph. Trubisky failed to deliver consistent results, prompting calls for Rudolph to take the reins. Tomlin's persistence with Trubisky resulted in underwhelming performances and a loss against the New England Patriots.

Finally, there have been concerns about the lack of effort displayed by certain players, such as George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, during games. Their actions, including Pickens' loafing on the field and Johnson's half-hearted apologies, have raised eyebrows and led to speculation about a lack of discipline within the team. Such lackadaisical attitudes are not only disrespectful to the franchise's tradition but also undermine the hard work of past and present players.

As the Steelers prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals, a team on the rise, the pressure is on Tomlin to turn the tide. A victory is crucial to keep their playoff hopes alive, but it also presents an opportunity for the coach to reclaim the winning culture that has been eroding. With the season hanging in the balance, Tomlin must address the lack of effort and restore faith amongst his players and fans alike.

In the NFL, seasons can quickly become a rollercoaster ride, and for Coach Tomlin and the Steelers, it is time to regain control and steer towards success. The next few games will be pivotal, not just for this season but also for the future of the franchise.